amiri

Amiri is a term with multiple uses across Arabic-language contexts and in diaspora communities. In Arabic and related languages, amiri is a nisba meaning “of the emir” or “princely.” It functions as an adjective form derived from the title emir (amir), and is used to indicate belonging to or association with a ruler or a royal household. The word appears in place names, family names, and given names, and as an honorific in bureaucratic or ceremonial contexts in some Gulf states.

As a given name and surname, Amiri is used across the Middle East, Iran, South Asia, and among the diaspora. Notable individuals include Amiri Baraka (1924–2014), an American poet and writer who adopted the name in 1969.

As a surname, Amiri is common in Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, often among families with historical ties to aristocratic or administrative elites.

In Gulf monarchies, amiri denotes royal or ceremonial matters. For example, the Amiri Diwan refers to the emir’s royal court in Qatar, and the term can appear in official titles related to government or royal affairs.

Amiri is also the name of a luxury fashion brand founded in Los Angeles by designer Mike Amiri in the 2010s. The label is known for rock-inspired denim, leather jackets, and embellished pieces, reflecting a contemporary, high-end streetwear aesthetic.